FirstEnergy Corp. has announced a request for proposals (RFP) to purchase renewable energy credits (RECs) and solar renewable energy credits (SRECs) for its Ohio utilities.

The three utilities - Ohio Edison, Cleveland Electric Illuminating and Toledo Edison - will use the credits to help meet the 2013 renewable energy targets established under Ohio's alternative energy law.

SRECs and RECs sought in this RFP must be produced by renewable generating facilities that are either certified by the Public Utilities Commission of Ohio (PUCO) or are in the process of being certified by the PUCO. The SRECs and RECs must be generated between Jan. 1, 2011, and Dec. 31, 2013. The following amounts and locations are being sought:

- 120,000 RECs generated in Ohio;- 145,000 RECs generated in Ohio or states contiguous to Ohio;- 100 SRECs generated in Ohio; and- 6,500 SRECs generated in Ohio or states contiguous to Ohio.

FirstEnergy explains one REC represents the environmental attributes of 1 MWh of generation from a PUCO-qualified renewable generating facility. No energy or capacity will be purchased under the RFP.

The number of individual bidders is not limited, and proposals are due Oct. 14. More information about the RFP is available here.